Colborne

Hotel Name: Best Western Plus Cobourg

For Dates: May 10 - 12: Keeler Centre, Colborne

ARRIVAL

• The building will open 1 hour prior to the first performance of the day. 

PROGRAMS

• Programs will be made available for download, free of charge, through our website approximately 2 weeks prior to the event.  
• For a program including all updates from Studios (title changes, etc.), we recommend downloading 1 day prior to the event.
• Hard Copy programs will not be sold at the event

AWARDS PIN

• Every dancer receives a custom Shine Awards Pin to display your ribbons on your Team Jacket! ONE per dancer available at the Shine Shop.

LIVE STREAMING

• This event will have a live stream available through our website
• A code to watch will be provided to your Studio prior to the event
• We may run up to 15min early from the scheduled times -- remember to tune in early

FOOD DRIVE

• We are very excited to continue our annual Food Drive where all proceeds are donated to a local food bank.  To date, we have collectively raised 22,825 lbs of food!!
• Please remind your dancers to bring at least 2 items of non-perishable food for our drive.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• For the privacy & safety of the dancers, there is no photography or videography allowed during performances 
• As a reminder, your entry fees include all your photos and videos!
• Media will be available approximately 1-2 weeks after the event through a link sent to your Studio
• Tag us in your favourite photos!  @shinedancecompetitions, #ShineDanceCompetitions #ShineFamily

STUDIO NAME/LOGO

• In an effort to keep your studio’s identity from the judges during performances, we ask that you please cover your studio logo when placing props on the stage.  *
• Your performance costume should not contain your Studio's Name
• Your dancers are certainly encouraged to wear their studio attire during awards ceremonies

STAGE ETIQUETTE

• Substances which alter the condition of the stage, and may affect the dancing surface for other competitors are prohibited (e.g. tossing sparkles, baby powder, water/liquid, body paint, etc.).  If it cannot be easily swept off the stage quickly, it should not be put on the stage.  Dances in violation of this rule may result in not being allowed on stage, have a deduction, and/or deemed "adjudicated only", at the discretion of Shine Dance Competitions.
• If the stage is littered after your performance (ex: feathers, paper, props, etc.). you must be ready for the immediate removal of the items. We will have a flat broom backstage.
• Helium balloons are not to be released on-stage as it is costly to get them down and they may pop during another performance if left on the ceiling. They may be used if they are on a weight and not released.
  • Released balloons may result in a deduction or the routine being ‘adjudicated only’

JUDGING

• Expertise in Dance and Age-Appropriateness: Our judges are selected for their deep understanding of dance and their ability to assess performances based on age and training levels.

• Diverse Perspectives and Subjectivity: Our judging panel consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds, training, and life experiences. Given the subjective nature of performances, it's natural to observe variations in scores, sometimes exceeding 3 points.

• Encouraging Dynamism and Excitement: We empower our judges to utilize their marking scales while providing valuable feedback in their adjudications. This approach fosters a dynamic and thrilling competition atmosphere, enriching the experience for participants and audiences alike.

Your support of our judges and their expertise contributes to the positive and enriching experience we strive to create for all participants. Thank you for being part of our dance community where we can learn and grow from different perspectives.

Melissa Bartrem

Melissa Bartrem is a dance artist, choreographer, educator, and scholar from Toronto, Canada. Melissa’s international credits include stage appearances in Brazil with the Tihany Spectacular, South America’s largest Circus, Showtime! with Casino Figueria Da Foz, Portugal, and on the high seas with Princess Cruises. Her countless appearances in live events include performances as a Toronto Argonauts cheerleader, Brazilian Carnival Samba Dancer, Divas Las Vegas Live at Casino Rama to industrials representing numerous brands and companies such as Skechers, MAC cosmetics, Red Bull and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Melissa continues to appear in principal roles in film, television, and commercials.

Melissa is a doctoral candidate (Ed.D) in Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. Her research interests include holistic, student-centred learning and other pedagogical practices that promote inclusion in dance spaces. These interests emerged out of an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from The University of Toronto and a master’s degree in dance education, accredited though The University of Surrey, England. Melissa is currently on faculty at The University of Toronto, OISE where she teaches Curriculum and Teaching in Dance and Drama in the Master of Teaching program. She is also on faculty at Centennial College where she teaches Commercial Dance, Interdisciplinary Ensemble and Movement Technique within the Performing Arts and Theatre Arts departments. She is also appointed as an academic tutor for the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program, mentoring dance teachers beginning their careers in education. Melissa has collaborated, adjudicated, taught, and choreographed for world-wide arts organizations in England, South Africa, and China, in addition to presenting her in-practice research at arts and education conferences, including the World Conference in Dance Research in Athens, Greece, Dance Science and Somatics Educators conference hosted by Central Washington University and the Canadian Association of Theatre Research.

Melissa has worked in both private sector studios with recreational and competitive students of all ages and levels, and in K-12 schools as a guest artist. She holds a variety of professional dance teaching certifications and is in-demand as a competitive dance adjudicator and choreographer. Melissa is a fully certified member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). She holds memberships with the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), The International Dance Council (CID) and Healthy Dancer Canada. Her continuing education includes training and certifications with various organizations such as canfitpro, Paula Morgan Dance, Stott Pilates, Street Dance Canada, Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, Above Barre, Alixa Flexibility, the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators, and the Acro Dance Adjudicators certification, just to name a few. Currently Melissa serves on the Board of Directors for The Arts Education Network of Ontario representing advocacy and research initiatives.

Melissa is known for her infectious love of dance and looks forward to continuing to share her passion for the performing arts.

Sarah Cherewko

Sarah's passion for dance is clear and quite contagious. She brings an unmatched enthusiasm to her work and leads by example with authenticity and
vulnerability. Originally from Calgary, AB, Sarah trained extensively in RAD and Cecchetti ballet, Al Gilbert tap, ADAPT tap and jazz, lyrical, modern, acro, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop while dancing competitively until the age of seventeen. Throughout her youth as part of a non-profit touring performance company, she had had the opportunity to perform in England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Morocco and at 18, signed her first of many contracts as a dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines. After moving to Montreal in 2011, her passion for teaching grew stronger and she transitioned out of performing and began working exclusively as a teacher, choreographer and competitive adjudicator. Sarah's goal as an adjudicator is to help dancers foster faith in their creativity and confidence in their uniqueness.

As a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher, Sarah prides herself on providing a safe, fun and positive classroom environment where students can feel comfortable to explore movement, technique and ultimately experience vulnerability and personal
growth. Sarah, now an accomplished teacher with twenty plus years of experience is an award winning and high score choreographer, a sought after adjudicator at many Canadian dance competitions and in her free time is studying to become a youth counsellor.

"They say dance like nobody's watching. I think that implies that we are afraid or ashamed to dance in front of people. I say dance like everybody is watching, dance like your children are watching, your ancestors, your family. Dance for those who are hurting, those who can't dance, those who lost loved ones, and for those that suffer injustices throughout the world. Let every step be a prayer for humanity!" -Supaman

Angela Murdoch

Angela is a Third Generation Dance Teacher currently in her 28th year as a Professional Dance Educator and Choreographer. Trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre, Angela considers herself a “Jane of all Genres.” Angela is truly grateful to have trained thousands of students throughout her career.

A graduate of the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts Triple Threat Conservatory in Toronto, ON, Angela has performed on stages across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America as a Dancer. She also starred in the Official Cannes Film Festival Selected “Pink & Green”. And most recently she can be seen on the small screen in “Guilty Party” alongside Kate Beckinsale.

As a Certified Mindfulness Coach, Angela brings perspective and positivity to her Dance Teaching and Adjudications. “Performing on stage isn’t about winning. It’s about seeing a goal with absolute clarity and using all of your potential to work to achieve it.”

Angela is overjoyed to be here at Shine and wishes the competitors have the most fun possible on and off stage.